The Government Passes Anti-Piracy Legislation to Block Overseas Piracy Websites

The Australian Senate passed legislation to block overseas websites that contain copyright infringing material or facilitate access to copyright infringing material. Sites like The Pirate Bay and KickAssTorrents are expected to be among the first websites that will be targeted by copyright holders.

According to the new legislation, The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015, a copyright holder can reach out to a federal court judge for a blocking request. If that request is granted, than ISPs will need to comply with the order by disabling access to the IP address. However, it’s important to note that the legislation doesn’t cover VPNs, which are also commonly used by pirates to circumvent any system designed to prevent illegal downloading. The controversial legislation passed with the support of the Coalition and Labor 37-13.

The new laws have been welcomed by pay-TV provider Foxtel. Foxtel Chief Executive, Richard Freudenstein said: “We are pleased that the Government and Opposition have taken strong action to combat online piracy. They recognise that, not only is piracy theft and therefore morally wrong, it is harmful to Australia’s creative communities and to businesses that employ hundreds of thousands of Australians. These offshore sites are not operated by noble spirits fighting for the freedom of the internet, they are run by criminals who profit from stealing other people’s creative endeavours.”